New defensive backs coach (cornerbacks) Vance Joseph talks about joining the Bengals and his position group.

2013 review

Starters: Hall and Newman created one of the best starting duos in the NFL, but were shelved by injuries. Hall tore his Achilles to miss the second half of the year and Newman (knee) didn't play the final four games. Jones (below) continued to quietly turn in a season ranking in the top quadrant of CBs in the NFL. Iloka earned the starting safety position and opposite solid starter Nelson.

Backups: Kirkpatrick saw his first significant time at CB with highs and lows. He pulled off a key INT in San Diego and a pick-6 vs. Baltimore, but learned a lesson against Cleveland's Josh Gordon and was out of position at times. Mays found his niche as a S/LB hybrid replacing Emmanuel Lamur, but his season ended early (shoulder).

Inside the numbers

Each of the top four CBs was a first-round pick (Hall, Newman, Jones and Kirkpatrick). When analyzing replacements at the position, it makes it all the more likely they dip into the first-round corner bucket again.

Free agency outlook

Big names exist at the position in free agency, but the position needs to get younger not add more veteran talent. Expectations are a deal will be struck with Mays.

Draft outlook

This is the favorite for who they draft at No. 24 overall. Among the top possibilities are Darqueze Dennard (Michigan State), Kyle Fuller (Virginia Tech), Jason Verrett (TCU) and Bradley Roby (Ohio State). Expect serious consideration if safeties Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix (Alabama) or Calvin Pryor (Louisville) fall.

Status veteran

The Bengals need to get younger here. Hall, Newman and Jones have all played well, but all will be 30-plus by the end of the season and Hall's coming off a second Achilles injury in three years. Kirkpatrick showed flashes, but coaches say he isn't a starter yet. Assuming Crocker finally goes into retirement and with Ghee a free agent, particularly the slot cover corner position could use an infusion. Nelson and Iloka stand as solid starters, but the team will be looking for growth from Iloka in his second season as a starter.

Confidence ranking for 2014 season

Eighth. Of the nine position groups, this one ranks second from last. The ranking isn't because of performance but concerns over injury and age. Newman has defied Father Time and Hall has proven capable of returning even better from a previous Achilles injury, but it's hard not to wonder how long that can continue.

Coachspeak

Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther on Dre Kirkpatrick:

"He made some strides. He got his shirt dirty a little bit in some games, but that's good for him. All good corners go through that."